'Absolute devastation': 8 classrooms damaged as Rotorua school ransacked

CCTV footage helped a Rotorua primary school identify vandals who broke in and destroyed new-entrance classrooms. Working alongside police, the school had hoped to find justice quickly and move on from the devastating incident. Principal Brent Griffin said the alleged offenders were not associated with the school, and were handed over to police. "Still devastating but a little win," he said. Police Inspector Ewan Dunsmuir confirmed authorities were alerted to the incident around 4.50pm on Sunday, and conducted a forensic examination on Monday morning. However it remained far from over for the school community. Extensive repairs were estimated to cost more than $75,000. Griffin said a huge effort had been made by teachers and cleaners. Eight rooms were affected, with resources left broken and scattered, and walls of the building covered in paint and graffiti. "The damage is immense.